Pamper Yourself at the SPA InterContinental Boston An Urban Delight

The newest luxury addition to Boston’s growing spa list is the SPA InterContinental. It boasts 6,500 square feet within the new waterfront InterContinental Boston hotel. Both the spa and hotel boast a contemporary, albeit stark design. But the SPA, and the staff, is friendly, outgoing and gracious. The SPA offers a full menu of spa choices from a stone massage, various wraps, facials (which I chose), to a spacious room offering couples massage.

InterContinental is an ideal “urban oasis,” with dozens of spa treatments to indulge in, from facials, massage, wraps, couples massage and more.
“With six treatment rooms and an extensive menu to choose from, SPA InterContinental offers complete Massage Therapy, Body and Facial Care to clients staying at the hotel as well as locals opting for a day spa, as I did. The hotel offers has valet and garage parking, and the InterContinenal is only a few blocks from the T (subway) and South Station.

Pampering begins in the relaxation lounge. This subtly-lit area featured subdued lighting and quiet music; held cushy, deep chairs in an Asian-type décor. Generous bowls of dried washabi nuts, dried corn, cranberry and washabi pea mix were set out and Keli, my facialist, offered me tea and dried fruits
Keli Pope, a graduate of the Spa Technical Institute, Plymouth MA, also specializes in Runway and Bridal makeup. A young woman with an outgoing personality, she told me what methods she would use for my type skin (greasy in some spots, dry in others), as she tucked me in on the heated treatment table.

After taking off my comfy white robe and slippers, I lay down on the treatment table and was delighted to find I was lying on a padded, soft heated table, which also mechanically elevated and lowered my head with a press of a switch.
Keli was enthusiastic and terrific, and we chatted during the relaxing 50-minute hydrating intensive facial treatment, in which she used many different face creams. Each one felt divine, cool to warm and perfect! I especially enjoyed hot towels placed on my face as opposed to the steam used. After my treatment, my face was fresh and glowing after my treatment. It still looks good, a week later. Next time, I want to book one of the other five facials on the menu. Or an exfoliation treatment or deep massage. Temptations and choices abound here.

“Spa etiquette and indulgence is part of the total experience, for we want you to feel as if you are in a cocoon, with no cares or worries,” said Keli with my hearty agreement. The room was decorated in a neutral tone which itself is relaxing the minute you enter.
I also enjoyed the absence of heavy fragrance in the lounge and treatment room.

The SPA Director, Travis Umpleby, is constantly fine-tuning the second floor SPA. A manicure and pedicure area and a few more amenities in the lounge and dressing area, such as more magazines and hangers for the lockers. A steam room, heated pool and fitness center complete the SPA. Hotel guests can indulge themselves with SPA treatments in their rooms. his is one of the most relaxing spas I have been to in recent years. Miel – the InterContinental 24/7 restaurant on the first floor, plans outdoor dining in the InterContinental Gardens slated to open April 2007. SPA InterContinental is at 500 Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA, 617-5090. Www.intercontinentalboston.com/spa.